Auto News: 2017 BMW 2 Series, Volvo 40 Series

Changes are afoot for the 2017 BMW 2 Series and Volvo unveils its new compact 40 series in this week’s Auto News in :60.

2017 BMW 2 Series: New Names, New Engines

The BMW 2 Series coupes and convertibles will arrive in showrooms this summer with new names and new engines.

What used to be the 228i will now be the 230i and what used to be the M235i will now be the M240i.

They also come with BMW’s updated engine line. The 230i gets BMW’s updated 4-cylinder under the hood good for 248-horses. The M240i has BMW’s updated and tweaked turbocharged inline-six, code-named B58, which delivers 335-horses, up 15 over last year. (The B58 is the same engine under the hood of the updated BMW 340i.) An eight-speed automatic is standard, but good news, you can opt for a manual at no cost.

Pricing will be announced this summer, but for reference, the 2016 228i starts at $33,845 and the M235i at $45,145.

Volvo Debuts 40 Series Concepts

Volvo is ready to tackle the compact car market and it’s hinging its bets on the new 40 series.

We’re finally getting a look at the first two concept cars in the lineup, a crossover and a sedan. They take Volvo in a new design direction and we have to say they look pretty phenomenal.

The cars feature stronger design features designed to make the cars sportier, sleeker and, for lack of a better word, hip. The pics detail strong lines, Volvo’s “Thor Hammer” headlights and large air intakes which house LED fog lights, along with a tailgate-mounted spoiler. The taillights are inspired by those on the new Volvo XC90.

The lineup will also include an all-electric model along with several plug-in hybrids.